Red Wings’ Carter Bear Hunting For Roster Spot

Detroit Red Wings prospect Carter Bear wants to avoid any time with the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins, if he can help it. In a recent interview with Marco D’Amico of RG Media, Bear believes he has the skill and hunger to earn a spot on the Red Wings’ opening night roster.

Still, if you know anything about the Red Wings, you know how tall a roadblock stands in front of Bear. Despite being a recent first round pick, Detroit typically slow-plays its prospects’ graduation to full-time NHL duties. However, the team is hiring a new front office leader before the regular season, and a change in philosophy is expected to accompany it.

Regardless, the former 13th overall pick of the 2025 NHL Draft is motivated to show the Red Wings what he can do after spending his offseason in Detroit. The Red Wings signed Bear to his entry-level contract last summer, but he has yet to play a game in the organization.

Instead, he spent last season in a familiar environment with the WHL’s Everett Silvertips. He’s played very well there, scoring 76 goals and 159 points in his last 109 games. Additionally, he played two games for Team Canada’s U20 team at the 2025-26 IIHF World Junior Championships, where Canada finished with a bronze medal.

Still, Bear won a championship by the season’s end. Scoring seven goals and totaling 22 points in 18 postseason contests, Bear helped the Silvertips to win the WHL Championship. Unfortunately, Everett lost in the Memorial Cup Final to the Kitchener Rangers.

After being asked about his determination entering training camp, Bear said, “I try doing me and just work my a-- off. Everyone’s goal is to make the NHL. That’s my goal, I feel like I have a chance. Everyone gets a shot, and it’s about being competitive and outworking guys.”